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An Acai Affair: Fall In Love With Healthy, Delicious & Instagram-able Acai Bowls

If you haven’t tried an acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) bowl yet, you don’t know what you’re missing out on. And if you have, then you’ll be delighted to know that the newest acai specialty shop on the block has just opened.

Get ready for An Acai Affair!

Tucked in the heart of Katong (right opposite 112 Katong), An Acai Affair is the two-month-old brainchild of two of Discover SG’s very own ambassadors, Anna and Isabel.

They’re on a mission to raise greater awareness about acai and its countless health benefits, by making acai bowls more accessible and affordable to everyone.

A What Affair?

Acai is truly a crazily healthy treat, perfect for you health nuts out there. This Brazilian superfood lowers cholesterol, boosts immunity, is energy boosting and rich in antioxidants.

It’s a tiny berry that packs a big punch, and we wonder why it’s still so underrated in Singapore.

At An Acai Affair, the purple acai berries are blended into an ice-cream like texture–essentially ice-cream minus the guilt. It forms the crucial base of all its acai bowl and smoothies.

Their acai is also personally sourced, fresh from a Brazilian friend and supplier.

Tropical Coconut Bowl

The Tropical Coconut bowl has to be the most photogenic acai bowl out there–and that’s saying a lot! It’s their signature too, so be sure to try it.

It’s chock full of superfoods: kiwis, pineapples, dragonfruit, strawberries, blueberries, granola, chia seeds, raw cacao nibs, goji berries and coconut shavings galore.

The toppings sit atop the chilled acai base, and that makes it super refreshing on a hot day. You can even scrape and eat the coconut flesh at the end. Double win!

An Acai Affair’s acai base is unbelievably smooth–you won’t find any graininess at all. Cut daily, the fresh fruits offer a burst of sweetness and texture with every bite.

Acai Chia Parfait

The Acai Chia Parfait is similar to the Tropical Coconut Bowl, ingredient-wise, but with a generous layer of chia seed pudding to boot. The chia seeds balance out the sweetness of the frozen acai, and are loaded with nutrients themselves.

Did we mention that An Acai Affair’s acai base isn’t diluted with anything at all? That means it’s a hundred percent smooth and flavourful, without being the least bit icy or watery.

While their handcrafted combinations are a sure bet, you can also make sure all your favourite ingredients are in, by ordering from the pick and and mix menu.

The thirstier of you can also go for the wide selection of smoothies!

Secret Garden

If you walk all the way into the shop, you’ll also discover a secret outdoor garden, with cushions, pillows and mats aplenty.

Tuck into your yummy acai bowl in this cosy outdoor garden.

It’s perfect for chill nights and hearty conversations, and of course as the prettiest backdrop for your photos.

You can even come in the evening to catch movie screenings here on some weekends!

Behind The Affair

You’ve probably noticed the abundance of gyms and yoga studios around Katong. But what’s exercise without healthy food alternatives?

That’s what An Acai Affair is here for. They’ve partnered with surrounding gyms – flashing your gym pass gets you discounts! Living a healthier lifestyle has never been so easy.

The interior of the shop was also lovingly designed by the owners themselves, as are the acai bowl combinations. Chow down your acai by the hand-painted wall for personal, cosy vibes all around.

Ready to have an affair with acai?

Gorging on one of these light and refreshing acai bowls from An Acai Affair will leave you feeling satisfied and good inside, without the bloatedness and guilt.

If you think that something good for you definitely won’t taste good, then eating your own words has never been more delicious.

An Acai Affair
Address: 101 East Coast Road Singapore 428796
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm
Phone: 9792 0837
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Also, read 8 Best Acai Bowls And Smoothies In Singapore For A Completely Guilt-Free Treat

These 5 Mobile Apps Are All You Need for A Fantastic Fuss-Free Life!

It is raining heavily and you have pulled out all the stops (and almost all your hair) trying to get that elusive cab. On the brink of exasperation, you decide to make one last attempt: GrabTaxi.

Sound familiar to you?

Most of us use mobile apps for entertainment, banking, chatting, etc. As shown above, sometimes, it can be a real lifesaver.

In this article, we’ve identified 5 fantastic mobile apps you absolutely need. These mobile apps may turn out to be the best investments of your lives and most importantly, they are FREE!

1. Splitwise

This is a saviour for all those who failed Math, so that there is no more racking your brains or having to punch in the numbers on the calculator.

2. PocketMalls

[caption id="attachment_23066" align="aligncenter" width="392"] Image Credit: Vulcan Post[/caption]

Have you ever gotten lost in a mall because the mall directory was nowhere to be found? Or having difficulty trying to locate your favorite store in the mall?

With PocketMalls, you have the directories to all the malls in Singapore at your finger tips. With just a few simple steps, this app will help you find your desired store in the mall. What’s more, you can also read reviews on the stores!

3. SoShiok

It’s always nice to be able to sit down at a pub or bar and chill over some drinks after a hard day at work. However, we know alcohol can be expensive. So when Happy Go Wild came out, we were elated!

Happy Go Wild is a real-time app that helps you search for places with ongoing Happy Hour promotions, saving you the hassle of looking for cheap chill out places.

With this app, you can enjoy drinks with your best pals without burning a big hole in your pocket!

5. 11th Hour

With this app, businesses can share any last-minute promotions they have, and customers can search for promotions in their vicinity.  A win-win situation for both!

We hope these 5 useful mobile apps help you out! With a whole world of tools at our fingertips, there’s no reason we can’t have that fuss-free life we all crave!

Also read, 9 New & Cool Restaurants In Singapore You Shouldn’t Miss Out On!

10 Uniquely Singaporean Cocktails You Can’t Find Anywhere Else In The World

In the 1900s, the first cocktail with a local twist was born: the Singapore Sling. Fast forward 100+ years later, and we are seeing a new wave of locally inspired cocktails handcrafted all over bars in Singapore! 

These unconventional concoctions are the genius works of Singaporean bartenders who have delved deep into their roots to create drinks that capture different aspects of Singapore. Kudos to these guys who’ve created some amazing drinks out of flavours and elements that hit so close to home!

Without further ado, here’s our guide to 10 uniquely Singaporean cocktails you can’t find anywhere else in the world!

1. The Red Ruby – Hopscotch Bar

Kicking off this list is The Red Ruby, a crowd favourite at Hopscotch, a craft cocktail bar tucked away in the colonial Red Dot Traffic Building.

[caption id="attachment_23498" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Red Ruby ($22), Image Credit: Topped with an Ang Ku Kueh Agar Agar, the Red Ruby will definitely get people looking over. The drink is a mixture of homemade coconut sorbet, Angostura Light Rum, and pandan syrup. A coconut-y cocktail that doubles as a dessert, this drink is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Hopscotch2. Laksa Cocktail – Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall is a hidden speakeasy with limited seating. Here, they make almost every syrup and ingredient from scratch, and boast a wide variety of cocktails with a local flair.

[caption id="attachment_23697" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Address: 60A Boat Quay, S049848
Contact: 6535 0838
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 12am; Fri & Sat, 6pm – 3am
Website

3. Raspberry Milo Moonshine – The Secret Mermaid

By day, this space operates as an unassuming Shinkansen, a Japanese Salad Bar, in the CBD. But once dusk falls, it transforms into The Secret Mermaid.

[caption id="attachment_23502" align="aligncenter" width="1620"] Milo Moonshine ($15), Image Credit: Topped with sticks of Pocky, this drink is perfect for all who are young at heart!

The Secret Mermaid4. Prawn Noodle Cocktail – Kuvo

Located in the heart of Orchard road, Kuvo, which means ‘blend’ in French, offers a fusion of flavours through their food and beverages.

[caption id="attachment_23510" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Prawn Noodle Cocktail ($20), Image Credit: Address: 321 Orchard Road, #02-01 S238866
Contact: 6733 8272
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 12pm – 1am; Fri & Sat, 12pm – 2am; Sun 12pm – 1am
Mr. Bean ($23), Image Credit:
Address: 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988
Contact: 6222 3349
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 1am; Fri & Sat,6pm – 2am
Website

6. Tomyum Martini – Maison Ikkoku Bar

Also known for it’s cafe of the same name, Maison Ikkoku Bar is situated right above it. There, amidst the cosy chic vibe going on, you will find their gutsy Tomyum Martini.

A concoction leaning on the savoury side with salty, sour and peppery notes, it has a lingering spiciness that may prove too exotic for some.

[caption id="attachment_23623" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Tomyum Martini ($28), Image Credit:
Address: 20 Kandahar St, 1F, Singapore 198885
Contact: 6294 0078
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 4pm to 1am, Friday to Saturday and PH Eve – 4pm to 2am
Website

7. Pipagao Cocktail – Ding Dong

Pipagao is a traditional Chinese medicine many of us have taken at some point in our lives to relieve a cough or sore throat.

Who would have thought to turn it into an alcoholic drink? Well, the guys at Ding Dong did, which is why the Pipagao Cocktail now exists.

[caption id="attachment_23522" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Pipagao ($22), Image Credit:
Address: 23 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069703
Contact: 6884 6884
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am; Sat, 6pm – 12am
Website

8. Kaya Toast Cocktail – Bitters and Love

A play on a local breakfast favourite, Bitters and Love’s Kaya Toast Cocktail is fittingly served in a kaya jam jar.

[caption id="attachment_23526" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Kaya Toast Cocktail ($23), Image Credit:
Address: 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Contact: 6438 1836
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am, Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Website

9. Singapore Sazerac – The Warehouse Hotel Bar

The newly opened Warehouse Hotel has an unmistakable slant towards Asian/Singaporean influences. This is clearly reflected especially in the hotel’s lobby bar, where they serve a unique Singapore Sazerac.

[caption id="attachment_23593" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Singapore Sazerac ($20), Image Credit:  a mix of spices, raisin bourbon, pandan bitters, rye, cognac, and absinthe. You can expect a kick from this cocktail!

The Warehouse Hotel Bar10. Kopi Cat – Loof

Loof, which affectionately pokes fun at the Singaporean pronunciation of ‘roof’, is a casual rooftop bar steeped in 90’s Singapore nostalgia. With a food and drink menu that gives off a distinctively local vibe, one of the must-tries here is The Kopi Cat.

[caption id="attachment_23534" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Kopi Cat ($19), Image Credit: Address: 331 North Bridge Road, #03-07, Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore 188720
Contact: 6337 9416
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs, 5pm – 1am; Fri to Sat, 5pm – 2am

6 Products So Thin They Will Make You Feel Fat

As mankind increasingly becomes more adept at using technology to solve problems, it is evident that we are quite interested in making certain things skinnier and other things bigger.

For example, television and mobile phone screens have become bigger. Some smartphones have screens the size of tablet devices! But for everything else, downsizing on thickness seems to be the goal.

Here are six products so thin they will make you feel like you’re the one who needs a diet:

Super thin laptop

In today’s day and age, work doesn’t stop at your desk. Often, it follows you around and appears in the form of emails and spreadsheets waiting to be looked at. If you have to carry around a laptop for work, school or even travel, why not go for something thin and practically weightless?

Laptops are so thin and light nowadays that they look perfectly chic. You could throw it into a purse and not have to worry about lugging it around in a huge, bulky computer bag! Finally, you’ll be the envy of all your friends while you pretend that you’re not browsing SGAG or watching Wah!Banana on YouTube.

Super thin Oreo

Call us purists but we are still not convinced that Oreo Thins, which entered the market in 2015, are any better than the thicker, original Oreos.

A plus point? You can probably pop the whole thing in your mouth during class or meeting without anyone noticing. Sans the chewing, of course.

Super thin condom

When asked to use a condom during sex, some men might use the excuse that the rubber makes intercourse feel less pleasurable, given that it is thick and reduces the sensation.

Well, that is no reason to not use protection and have safe sex, which translate to preventing unwanted pregnancies and the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Thanks to Durex, thin condoms are a dime a dozen these days. One particular condom you can try out if the thickness of the condom is an issue is the Durex Fetherlite brand, which touts greater sensitivity.

With such thinness, this condom will enhance sexual pleasure while keeping both parties protected.

Super thin watch

Watches used to be clunky, thick, and cool. Who remembers the good old Casio, G-Shock, and Baby-G watches that came with a variety of cool features and buttons? Some watches even doubled up as calculators!

However, watches nowadays have gotten so thin, they’re probably no thicker than our 20cent coin.

Super thin tracking device

If you’re a scatterbrain, and have to resort to asking your friends and family 12 times a day if they have seen your keys/wallet/phone, try Tile, a Bluetooth-enabled tracking device.

While it used to be a little bit chunkier, Tile has since remodelled its tracking device to fit most wallets and laptops! Its slimmer version, aptly named Tile Slim, weighs 9.3 grams and is only 2.44mm thick.

P.S. Do not try and stick this onto your significant other in order to track their location!

Super thin e-book reader

The great thing about e-book readers is that you can have all the books in the world at your fingertips without needing to carry them all in your backpack. The Amazon Kindle Oasis is the company’s thinnest and lightest e-book reader available, with a thickness of 3.4 mm to 8.5 mm depending on the point of measurement.

With such a thin Kindle, you can now read on the MRT without infringing on your fellow commuter’s space!

All that said, there is still something about thick novels and fat wallets that exude old-school charm. Did we miss out anything that is so thin, it would make you feel fat? Let us know!

Also, read Skip The Store – Here Are 8 Everyday Products That Are Better Bought Online

Skip The Store – Here Are 8 Everyday Products That Are Better Bought Online

Loathe lugging heavy items around the supermarket or simply too busy to even visit one? Well, your weekly supermarket shopping doesn’t have to be a struggle when you can sit in front of your computer to check the best prices of the items you need. You can even save some money on public transport fares or taxi when you purchase in bulk.

Whether you are a busy career women or a bachelor wanting to spend time at the bar instead of the supermarket, we sussed out a list of everyday products that are better bought online.

1. Toilet paper/Tissues

Think necessities, and you definitely have toilet paper and tissues up on the list. These household essentials are used daily, so why not buy it in bulk online and get it delivered to your doorstep? You’ll save lugging these bulky rolls of toilet paper up the public transport. Just make sure you have some extra room in your store to load them up.

Purchase Red Mart’s house brand of 3-Ply luxuriously soft toilet tissue at only $4.70 as compared to buying at FairPrice Supermarket for Kleenex at $6.95 with similar 3-Ply 220 sheets per roll. Red Mart’s house brand is definitely more affordable and gets you much more savings!

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery)
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent)
Purchase any three 600ml Kirei Kirei Body Foam Refill at $5.40 each and get $5.05 off the total amount at FairPrice Online, offer valid till 7th September 2016. As compared to Red Mart, 600ml Kirei Kirei Body Foam Refill retails online at $4.25, thus buying more quantities at FairPrice Online is a better option which saves you $1.60!

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery)
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent)
Zalora (Purchase a min of $40 for free delivery. Enjoy 20% off using Citi Rewards card – Use code: “CITISTYLE20”, All other Citi credit cards enjoy 18% 0ff – Use code: “CITISTYLE18”)

3. Detergent

Doing laundry may be a chore to some, especially with the need to purchase heavy bags of detergent powder. Why not order your detergent online and settle this tedious task easily. You’ll save the hassle of lugging those heavy bags around the supermarket and get them delivered right to you.

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery)
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent)

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery)
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent)

Where to purchase:
6. Durex

Do you know you can shop for condoms and lubricants online? Buying online makes the process much easier with you being able to slowly browse through and purchase the best condom for yourself or partner. The obvious reason to shop online for this intimate product is also for privacy, and to avoid any embarrassment. You won’t need to be standing at the store to decide what you need, when getting them online is so much easier.

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery)
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent)

7. Toothpaste and Tooth Brush

Get into the habit of changing toothbrushes 2 to 4 times per year. Toothbrushes tend to contain bacteria and it’s always good to have a new, fresh toothbrush storing in the cabinet. Other hygiene care products are also available purchased online. With its long shelf life, you need not worry about the toothpaste or mouth wash expiry dates.

Buy 2 get 1 free at Honestbee when you purchase Colgate Fresh Cool Mint Toothpaste (175g) at $6.40. As compared to Redmart, its 250g Colgate Fresh Cool Mint Toothpaste retails online at $4.10 for 1 box. Honestbee definitely saves more when you purchase 2 boxes.

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent )

Where to purchase:
Redmart (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery)
Honestbee (Purchase a min of $30 for free delivery. $12 off your first order with min $100 spent)
A Super Insta-Worthy and Trendy Hotel Has Just Opened In Singapore

Get Ready, FENTY X PUMA SS2017 Drops In Singapore 9 March!

Fans of Rihanna, rejoice! The FENTY X PUMA collection you’ve all been waiting for will finally drop in Singapore on 9 March at PUMA stores and authorised retailers.

Described as “if Marie Antoinette went to the gym” by RiRi herself, the Spring-Summer 2017 collection blends the regality of 18th century French aristocracy with streetwear cool. With exaggerated, baggy silhouettes contrasted with romantic pieces in softer hues, each piece of the collection makes a statement on its own.

The collection will be released in stages, with new drops happening each month until June, which means you’ll have to wait to get your hands on some of the pieces.

In the meantime, here are the pieces you can shop starting 9 March!

Bow Slides

Bow Sneakers

Sneaker Boot Zip

Lace Up Heel

You’ll want to cop these kicks while you can! We have a feeling they’ll sell like hotcakes–especially those bow slides!

Singapore’s Most Influential: Here Are Our Top 4 Women In The Arts In Singapore

March 8 is International Women’s Day!

Not enough is done to recognise and acknowledge women for all their contributions to space exploration, the medical field, the arts and every other industry out there. As such, for this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate 4 amazing women who have made their mark on arts and culture in Singapore!

Kumari Nahappan

A prominent artist based in Singapore, Kumari Nahappan is well-versed in a range of visual genres, from inter-disciplinary to painting, sculpture and installations.

Some of her more famous works in Singapore include Saga for Changi Airport, Nutmeg & Mace for the ION Orchard, Pedas-Pedas for the National Museum and Pembungaan for OUE Bayfront (the largest bronze mural in Singapore that’s over 45m tall).

Hi Kumari, your work has made its way into Art Museums and gallery exhibitions all over the world. How would you describe your art creation process?

As a conceptual artist, I create works in a series and often exhibit them in the context of space and time to communicate a story.

These works often make their way to the institutions or countries to be exhibited, where they are framed by the context of the art-making process in the form of an installation.

What changes have you noticed in the art industry today, compared to when you first began?

As compared to 25 years ago, the industry is vibrant and evolving, especially in terms of contemporary art, which is excellent for growth.

With more art fairs and events in Singapore recently, such as the annual Affordable Art Fair that invites people to see art as available for everyone, not just art collectors, Singapore is going through a wonderful change in terms of the public’s receptiveness and embrace of art.

What do you hope to see in Singapore’s art scene’s future?

I hope the arts will be sustainable in the future. I hope to see art, life and the sciences integrating and running parallel to each other, playing important roles to enrich the life of the being.

You started your education at LASALLE College of the Arts as a mother of 4 at the age of 37. What would you say to ease the minds of potential artists pursuing a formal education, but are set back by fears of their age, marital circumstances and stage of life?

I started my career at 23 and worked for 14 years as a space planner while teaching at Institute Technology Mara in Shah Alam, Malaysia. When I moved to Singapore in 1990, I enrolled at LASALLE College to further my education in Fine Arts. My background helped me a great deal moving forward.

Fear of age and circumstances did not bother me as I went in with no plans, just an ‘open mind’ to learn.

Catherine Lim

A household name for most Singaporeans, Catherine Lim is one of the most well-known and well-read literary authors in Singapore.

Having written short stories, novels, poems and political commentary pieces over the past decades, she has now turned her focus to mentoring the youth as they too pursue a passion and future in writing.

Hi Catherine, you’ve been a published writer since 1978, and a well-known political critic since your essay, ‘PAP and the People: A Great Affective Divide’, in 1994. What would you say is your biggest, proudest accomplishments to date for both fiction writing and political commentary?

The two kinds of writing were completely different genres, with different objectives and readership: the fiction was creative expression of my personal experiences and observations of human behaviour, cast in the form of imaginary tales, while the commentaries were my criticisms of existing social and political policies in Singapore, based on factual information.

You can say that I regard both kinds of writing as ‘proud accomplishments’. I was very glad that I was able to share my interests, thoughts and reflections with Singaporean readers, and to know from feedback that they appreciated this sharing.

While your short stories and novels are a household name in Singapore, you’ve mentioned that you’ll be focusing on a new style of writing. Could you tell us more about that?

Recently, I seemed to have shown interest in a third kind of writing – the philosophical kind that deals with large existential issues such as God, religion, death, mortality, meaning, etc.

Actually these themes had always interested me and been the subject of much private introspection. Some months ago, I decided to put my thoughts together in a systematic way in a book, entitled ‘An Equal Joy: Reflections on God, Death and Belonging.’

It comprises a series of essays on topics as diverse as my Catholic background in my youth, my love and pursuit of scientific knowledge, my thoughts on death, suicide, the right to die, etc.

The book will be launched by Marshall Cavendish in March.

What changes have you noticed in Singapore’s literary scene today, compared to when you first began?

Firstly, there is now more support and encouragement from government organisations, such as grants for writers, the Singapore Writers Festival, and campaigns to promote local writing such as the Buy Singlit campaign initiated by NAC.

Secondly, I have noted the many new young writers on the literary scene, who have impressed me by their contributions, talent and enthusiasm. All these developments are very heartening indeed!

Any advice for local aspiring writers?

My advice to local aspiring writers is this: Go for it. Nurture your interest in writing. Don’t be too hard on yourselves and think that nobody will be interested in what you write.

If you write with authenticity, honesty and passion, even if they seem trivial or too personal to you, you will come up with the kind of writing that will interest people.

Remember all true artists go through periods of self-doubt which they never allow to dampen their passion for their art. Art is hard work – the axiom goes: ’10 per cent inspiration, and 90 per cent perspiration’!

Kirsten Tan

Kirsten Tan is a New York based filmmaker whose works revolve heavily around humanity and off-beat humour.

Clinching the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Screenwriting at Sundance Film Festival, her debut film POP AYE has set the stage for 32-year old Kirsten as Singapore’s up and rising filmmaker to watch.

<iframe src=”https://player.vimeo.com/video/199184287″ width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/199184287″>POP AYE Official Trailer</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/ewfilms”>E&amp;W Films</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

Hi Kirsten, besides being the first Singaporean filmmaker and director to win that award, tell us about your biggest, proudest accomplishments to date!

I think my biggest, proudest accomplishment is really just staying on the path of filmmaking all through these many years even when it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

It takes years to cut your teeth on filmmaking and during that time, you do work that is low – or even no – paying for long stretches of time… [Filmmaking] demands a 100% full-time commitment and it really took resilience and, I suspect, a healthy dose of foolishness to keep on this path where there is no guarantee of any success at the end of it.

How long have you been in the filmmaking industry, and how did it all begin?

POP AYE is my first feature film but I’ve been working in film and making shorts for about twelve years now.

At NUS, I founded nu(STUDIOS) along with a group of friends and I worked mainly as a producer on my friend’s shorts. When I enrolled in Ngee Ann after NUS, I then moved into directing for the first time, and made my first short film titled ‘10 Minutes Later’. I’ve made 7 narrative shorts and 1 documentary short since then before embarking on my first feature film.

Dahdi was considered a relatively controversial film, touching on the Rohingya refugee crisis and Singapore’s stance on accepting refugees. What challenges did you have to overcome in order to bring Dahdi to life?

I wasn’t sure if I would get funding for the film from the Singapore Film Commission and had to crowd-fund the film via Indiegogo just to ensure we would have enough funds to make the film happen.

Interestingly, when we went to down to Pulau Ubin to scout for locations, we found the residents on Ubin suspicious of us because we were holding cameras.

The residents thought we were a part of the authorities or the media and were highly mistrustful of us initially since they’ve been hounded so much over time. It took a long time for us to gain their confidence.

What do you hope to see in Singapore’s film-making industry’s future?

Apart from POP AYE, local films are doing well on major film festivals – we had Apprentice and A Yellow Bird premiering at Cannes Film Festival last year.

Many talented young Singaporean filmmakers I know are working hard to get their debut feature screenplays ready for production. On a macroscopic level though, cinema as a whole can’t survive only on filmmakers so I hope that film and cultural literacy in Singapore will continue to grow as well… It’s only with the audience participation that film as a form and as an industry has a chance to thrive.

Any advice for local aspiring film-makers?

It may sound simple, but to any aspiring filmmaker reading this, I’d say – really, just focus on your work. Make sure you do everything and anything to get that script or film to its best possible potential. As a creator, your sole responsibility is to what you are creating.

Delia Prvacki

Romanian-born, Singapore-based sculptor, Delia Prvacki, has been adding flair to the Singapore arts scene with her ceramic, bronze and tapestry artworks. Spaces such as Chijmes, the Esplanade and NUS Museum have featured her works, which are strongly influenced by Singapore’s nature-concrete dichotomy.

Hi Delia, tell us about your biggest, proudest accomplishments to date!

It is the story embedded in the trajectory of my life: moving from my native country, Romania, to ex-Yugoslavia to be with my husband, learning a new language, starting to build a successful career as an artist, all along being a mother and wife.

Then, 17 years later relocating to Singapore – an unknown space, new culture, [with new challenges like] having to learn the English language, establishing a new studio and practice while keeping the family values as my top priority.

How long have you been in the sculpting industry, and how did it all begin?

I started working with clay as a teenager, in 1967. I was already committed to the arts, having interest in poetry, piano, theatre, and fine arts, but disoriented, due to limitations imposed upon all forms of creativity by the dictatorial communist regime at that time.

I found a refuge in discovering the world of ancient traditional art, very rich in my native homeland. It also suited my rebellious side, compensating for my physical fragility and petite frame, to persist in a field that regularly was dominated by males.

As a Romanian-born, currently Singapore-citizenship holding artist, how would you say having lived in 2 drastically different cultures has influenced your art?

When I arrived in Singapore I [already had] a distinctive “style” and my body of work was already defined by my experimental and conceptual approach… My practice was within the ceramic medium and I was recognised for the merit of pushing the boundaries of the material, for its detachment from conventional presentation.

When I arrived in Singapore, I was fascinated with light, colour, vegetation, weather… that was an obvious change that inspired me instantly.

Once I began knowing and understanding the local heritage and culture, along with my admiration for the distinctive component of an ultra-modern, advanced metropolis, I found the whole new setting challenging and rejuvenating.

I became more interested in real problems facing modern societies, humanity, and mostly, I developed an awareness about the role that art plays in society.

What projects are you currently working on?

Right now I am preparing a solo exhibition with a large-scale installation at The Substation Gallery. It will run from 15-25 March.

[caption id="attachment_23576" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Patina. Photo Credits:

This exhibition is special for me, since it marks 50 years of practice, and is a recollection of my first solo show in March 1970. It also has a personal emotional meaning, since my first solo exhibition in Singapore was in March 1994, in the same Gallery space at Substation.

You have a line of art-pieces called Dulcinea, which are 11 pieces of art featuring 6 “breast cups” representing a woman’s development from adolescent to adult. I love that it is such a celebration of women’s experiences, while simultaneously fighting back against the resistance towards public breastfeeding. What can you tell us about your thought process while creating Dulcinea?

I must say that my work was never “figurative” and the idea to develop an entire production in relation to this very explicit representation of the female body was justified by the idea, intention and the whole strategy on its implementation.

I intended to have it as a pure “feminine” discourse as well as a functional product meant to enhance the living space of families, while emanating a message of “maternity”, of eternal beauty.

[It also held] a role in aesthetic education and contributing to public awareness about a very sensitive, yet, perpetual dimension of our human existence – breastfeeding and women’s health.

Any advice for local aspiring sculptors?

I think local young artists are well-equipped with information, knowledge and conceptual platforms. However, they need to spend time in practising and making a body of work that is not meant primarily for sale, but to invest their energy and resources in experimentation.

Searching and thriving for original forms of expression is the key in establishing yourself as an authentic artist.

A big thank you to these amazing ladies for taking the time to share their thoughts and experiences with DiscoverSG!

From the first spark of inspiration that led to the start of their journeys as artists, to their position today as strong artistic influences in the Singaporean arts landscape, these 4 women have shown us that the pursuit of creating art is a beautiful process.

For more about the movers and shakers in the Singapore arts scene, follow A LIST SINGAPORE. A LIST SINGAPORE regularly features and interviews inspirational Singaporeans in the arts scene, such as whose first feature film was chosen as a contender for last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

A LIST SINGAPORE is easily available on both online and offline channels. You can follow them on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even their Youtube page, or get a hardcopy of their monthly magazine that is distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide.

We hope you were inspired by this article to explore and persevere in your own pursuit of artistic and personal expression. Happy International Women’s Day!

Also, read These Light Art Installations Popping Up At Marina Bay Will Make You See Nature In A Whole New Light

YouTube Sensation Lilly Singh Is Coming To Singapore To Show Us How To Be #Bawse

If you live and breathe the Internet–which let’s admit, most of us do–the name Lilly Singh will be familiar to you. If not, the name IISuperwomanII should ring a bell.

Lilly Singh, the 28-year-old Canadian who’s made a name for herself through her hilarious, relatable skits and who inspires us on the daily through her hard work and infectious spirit will be here in Singapore on May 24!

[embed]https://youtu.be/arVMnJ-wbdI[/embed]

Here as part of her How To Be A Bawse tour, she will be putting on a show at Kallang Theatre, bringing to life the laughs, the motivation, and the realness you’ll find in her first ever book, ‘How To Be A Bawse: A Guide to Surviving Conquering Life’. The book will be released on 28 March.

[caption id="attachment_23431" align="aligncenter" width="333"] Image Credit: Amazon[/caption]

In her book, Lilly shares about how you too can be a ‘bawse’–someone who exudes confidence and who achieves the goals they set their minds to, just as she has.

Standards tickets for the show are going between $93 to $163, while VIP tickets will set you back $244, giving you the chance to get up close and personal with the star, and also snap some photos with her! Also, everyone who purchases a ticket to the show will receive a copy of ‘How To Be A Bawse’.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s not everyday you get to see your favourite YouTuber IRL!

Location: Kallang Theatre
Date: 24 May, 2017
Time: 8pm – 9.15pm
Price: Standard Tickets: S$93, S$113, S$133, S$163; VIP: S$244 (all prices shown are excluding SISTIC booking fee)

Click (Top Image Credit:

Ambassador Highlights #7 – Empire, iFly, Singapore Arts Biennale & A Beauty Boost!

February, our favourite month of the year. Not only is it Valentine’s Day, but here at DiscoverSG, we were busy heading down to events that got us seeing a whole other side to sunny rainy Singapore! Here’s a look at the events we dropped in on this month.

1. Girls Night Out @ Empire Lounge

Here at DiscoverSG, we are strong advocates of the philosophy “work hard, play harder”, which is why we were ecstatic to hear that we had snagged invites to Empire Lounge.

[caption id="attachment_23333" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fifty Raffles Place[/caption]

Not only is Empire Lounge right smack in the middle of the CBD (it’s located at Singapore Land Tower, a minute’s walk from Raffles MRT) it also boasts breathtaking views of the Marina Bay area thanks to its location 48 floors above the CBD.

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The DiscoverSG team headed down to Empire Lounge with our ambassadors, Shivon, Victoria and Grace. We were psyched to bond over drinks, enticing eats and the amazing view! The best part about Empire Lounge? The ‘cannot miss’ drink deals of course!

So if you’re keen to kick back after a long day at work, head on down to Empire Lounge!

Empire Lounge
Address: 50 Raffles Place, S048623
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 5pm – 1am; Fri – Sat: 5pm – 3am
Facebook

2. Indoor Skydiving Experience @ iFly

Adrenaline junkies out there, we’re guessing skydiving is somewhere at the top of your bucket list. Unfortunately, its not something you would do at a whim, what with it being so expensive. Luckily for us, iFly Singapore offers a similar experience at a fraction of the price!

[caption id="attachment_23334" align="alignnone" width="3318"] iFly @ Sentosa[/caption]

Located a stone’s throw away from Sentosa’s Beach Station, iFly Singapore is a state-of-the-art flight facility that is also the largest themed indoor skydiving simulator in Southeast Asia!

We were lucky enough to have a go at the First Timer Challenge Package ($119), which consists of 2 skydives of 45 seconds each. That is the same time it takes to free fall from 12,000 to 3,000 feet, as with an actual skydive!

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Our ambassadors Vanessa and Nicholas had a blast having a go at the simulated skydiving experience! Definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking a new experience, indoor skydiving is definitely an experience worth trying!

Check out our article to find out more about our experience at iFly Singapore!

iFly Singapore
Address: 43 Siloso Beach Walk #01-01 Singapore 099010
Opening Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 9.00am – 9.30pm; Wed: 11.00am – 9.30pm
Contact No.: 6571 0000
Palate Sensations[/caption]

We were keen to pick up a few (much needed) kitchen skills, so we headed to Palate Sensations Cooking School! Palate Sensations is a culinary school which offers cooking classes for both novice and seasoned cooks. Classes range from $125 to $1,400, depending on the duration of the class and your choice of cuisine.

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Good news? The class is a hands-on experience, so you know you’ll definitely pick up a few skills to impress your family and friends. Palate Sensations can also play host to your hen parties, team building events and even birthday parties!

So head on down to Palate Sensations and indulge in your very own hand-crafted creations!

Palate Sensations
Address: Chromos #01-03, 10 Biopolis Road, S138670
Contact No: +65 6589 8843
Website 

5. Beauty Bootcamp With La Roche-Posay

Having perfect complexion is no easy feat. Singapore’s unpredictable weather and the daily use of cosmetics can cause our skin to *gasp* break out. Most of us know the basics of skincare, but not the itty gritty details when it comes to caring for our skin. La Roche-Posay got us learning so much more about our skin!

[caption id="attachment_23344" align="alignnone" width="601"] La Roche-Posay Singapore [/caption]

Our ambassadors headed down to #123acnefree bootcamp to get all the deets on skincare and how to get our skin glowing and acne-free!

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6. Beauty Boost @ Clifford Clinic

Let’s admit it, most of us go the extra mile when it comes to looking good for a special occasion. Manicures, a fresh hair cut and even a new outfit can be a huge confident booster. So, we were pretty excited when we got the chance to head down to Clifford Clinic for some laser treatments.

[caption id="attachment_23392" align="alignnone" width="1000"] February Events[/caption]

It’s been such an amazing month, chock full of events and happenings! We can’t wait to head to even more events going on in March!

If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and want to introduce products or services both old and new to more Singaporeans, drop us an email at [email protected]. We would love to work with you!

We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on a mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore. If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, drop us an email at [email protected].

Also, read Discover SG Ambassador Highlights #6 – Pizza Party, An Acai Date, Food Tastings & More!

Victoria’s Secret Angel Adriana Lima To Come To Singapore In March!

GUYS! Victoria’s Secret angel Adriana Lima will be here in Singapore on 10 March, IN THE FLESH. This is not a drill!

Here to launch VS’s new Body by Victoria collection at its flagship store in Mandarin Gallery, the sultry Brazilian supermodel with abs of steel will also be signing autographs from 6 – 8pm for those of you who religiously watch the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show!

[caption id="attachment_23361" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credit: Lima will be the first angel to visit Singapore’s Victoria Secret stores which could hopefully mean one thing: more angels descending upon our humble little island. Let’s hope this is the case!